“OU” is a kosher certification symbol you’ll see on packaged foods. It means an independent kosher agency has reviewed the ingredients, production process, and facilities to verify the item meets kosher standards. The mark helps shoppers quickly identify products suitable for kosher diets, whether that’s snacks, beverages, or pantry staples.

• Look for a “U” inside an “O” on the package.
• Some items may include added letters (like “D”) to indicate dairy associations.
• Packaging can change by batch, so it’s a good idea to double‑check the symbol and any qualifiers on the item you receive.

On food labels, “OU” stands for the Orthodox Union, a major kosher‑certifying organization. The symbol (a U inside an O) indicates the product was certified as kosher by that agency. You’ll often find it near the ingredient list, nutrition panel, or brand mark on the package.

• The symbol confirms kosher status; it doesn’t describe nutrition, quality, or whether the item is organic or non‑GMO.
• If you’re shopping online, zoom product images or check the description for “OU Kosher,” then verify the mark on the package when it arrives.
• For specific dietary needs, reviewing the ingredient list can add clarity.

“Glatt” refers specifically to certain standards for kosher meat. The basic “OU” symbol indicates kosher certification, but it doesn’t automatically mean a meat product is glatt. When glatt standards apply, that term is typically stated on the meat packaging alongside the kosher symbol, so the designation is clear to shoppers.

• For meat and poultry, look for wording like “glatt” on the label.
• For non‑meat items (snacks, beverages, sweeteners), “glatt” isn’t relevant; the “OU” mark simply indicates kosher certification.
• When shopping online, review package photos and any label details, and confirm the exact designation on the product you receive.

You can usually confirm OU kosher status by reviewing the product details both online and on the package. This approach helps ensure you’re getting the certification you expect.

1. On the product page, look for “OU Kosher” in the title or description and zoom images to spot the circled‑U mark.
2. Check for any qualifiers (like “D,” “P,” or “Pareve”) that may appear on the package near the symbol.
3. Since packaging can vary by lot or region, verify the printed symbol and qualifiers on the item when it arrives.
4. If you have dietary requirements, review the ingredient list as an added step.

OU kosher certification speaks to kosher dietary law, not whether a product is vegan or dairy‑free. Some OU‑certified items are pareve (neither meat nor dairy), while others may be dairy (often shown with a “D” next to the symbol) or produced on shared equipment. It’s helpful to review packaging for the details you need.

• Vegan is a separate designation; check for a vegan label and read the ingredients.
• Pareve doesn’t guarantee vegan, as items can still contain eggs, fish, or honey.
• If you need dairy‑free, look for labels such as “non‑dairy” or “dairy‑free,” and confirm allergen statements.